Teams 'Touch Down' in Dublin with Aer Lingus Ahead of College Football Classic

Aer Lingus has welcomed the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs and University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels to Dublin ahead of the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium this Saturday, 29 August.

The opening game of the 2026 U.S. college football season, known as "Week Zero", will see TCU face UNC in front of a packed stadium in Dublin and a television audience of millions on ESPN in the US and TG4 in Ireland. Extending the game's global reach even further, it will also be available to Disney+ subscribers as part of their existing subscription.

Aer Lingus operated dedicated charter flights from Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina and Dallas Fort Worth in Texas, transporting players, coaches, support staff and equipment to Dublin for the season opener. Aer Lingus crews, operational teams and airport staff on both sides of the Atlantic began planning for the event late last year to ensure a seamless journey for the teams ahead of one of the most anticipated fixtures in the college football calendar.

The game comes just months after Aer Lingus launched its new direct service from Dublin to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in April. The route is already helping to strengthen business, tourism, academic and cultural connections between Ireland and North Carolina, while providing a convenient direct service to Dublin for fans travelling to this year's game.

UNC's arrival has attracted particular interest as the team is led by Head Coach Bill Belichick, widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in sporting history. Belichick won a record eight Super Bowl titles during his NFL career, including six as Head Coach of the New England Patriots. Also travelling with UNC is Co. Down native Adam McCann Gibbs, who could make his American college football debut on Irish soil this weekend.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic will be the fifth meeting between the football programmes of TCU and UNC, with the rivalry dating back to 1940.

Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer at Aer Lingus, said: “We are delighted to welcome the TCU Horned Frogs and UNC Tar Heels to Ireland for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. This event has become a highlight of Ireland's sporting calendar, bringing thousands of fans to Dublin and showcasing the very best of Irish hospitality.

“As title sponsor, Aer Lingus is proud to help bring the teams and many of their supporters to Ireland for an event that strengthens the sporting, business and cultural ties between Ireland and North America. This year's game is particularly special as we celebrate our 90th anniversary, marking nine decades of Aer Lingus connecting Ireland with the world.

“We wish both teams the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

More than 14,000 American fans are expected to travel to Ireland for this year's game, with visitors staying an average of seven nights and exploring destinations across the island.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic continues to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits for Ireland. According to Grant Thornton, the first four games in the series generated an estimated €514 million for the Irish economy and attracted more than 108,000 visitors from the United States. More than 18 million viewers have watched the previous games on television in the U.S.

The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic will kick off at Aviva Stadium at 5pm on Saturday, 29 August. Limited tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.ie/collegefootball.